Memorex unveils line of Wii, Wii Fit, DSi gaming accessories at CES
by Christopher Grant 
{ Jan 6th 2010 at 12:00PM } 
Click to enlarge
We're not sure what the tagline will be – "Is it first-party? Or is it Memorex?" – but the storied consumer electronics company best known for its blank cassette tapes (remember those?) has been busy branching out, and a new series of video games accessories targeting Nintendo's various products is its latest endeavor.
The company has taken the opportunity at CES to unveil a Wii racing wheel, a Wii wireless sensor bar, some sleeves for everything from your Wiimote to your Wii Fit balance board, a charging kit for your Wiimotes, a rechargeable battery pack for Wii Fit, and some DSi goodies as well. Like most of these offerings, there isn't much you'll find exciting here. Check out the full specs in the press release after the break, or, if you're a visual learner, flip through the gallery for some eye candy.
Game On: Memorex Introduces Brand's First Line of Gaming Accessories
Recent Survey of Over 1,300 Parents Ranks Playing Video Games Among Most Popular At-Home Family Activities
DIGITAL EXPERIENCE AT CES, Las Vegas (January 6, 2010) – In its first foray into gaming accessories, Memorex-one of the most widely recognized names in the consumer electronics industry and a portfolio brand of Imation Corp (NYSE: IMN)-today announced a new line of durable and playful accessories for Nintendo Wii, Wii Fit and DSi.Recent Survey of Over 1,300 Parents Ranks Playing Video Games Among Most Popular At-Home Family Activities
Inspired by consumer insights and with an eye to the future, the new line includes an expanded- range wireless sensor bar, a MotionPlus-compatible racing wheel, charging kits and accessory covers. The complete line will be on display at the Pepcom® Digital Experience event from 7 to 10 p.m. tonight at The Mirage.
"Memorex is about creating products that encourage families to have fun together-what we like to call WeTime," said Jess Walton, global brand manager. "As video game consoles such as Nintendo Wii become an increasingly popular at-home entertainment activity for families, it was a natural fit for us to create gaming accessories that help enhance the experience."
Playing video games together is a favorite family activity, according to the WeTime Parent Survey recently conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of Memorex from November 4– 10, 2009. Nearly half (45 percent) of parents selected "playing a video game we can all enjoy" as one of their favorite at-home family WeTime activities. It's an especially popular WeTime choice for families with "tween" children (ages 8–12), as 51 percent of those parents cited it as a favorite activity and also named the video game console as the number three consumer electronic product their child(ren) use most often (third only to the television and laptop).
The New "Game" Night
Regardless of your family's gaming style, the new line of Memorex accessories offers thoughtful features and bright colors to help inspire fun moments and memories. Further, all products have undergone extensive product testing and meet multiple third-party quality standards to protect against failure.
- Racing Wheel for Wii – The rubber hits the road with this racing wheel-the only one in the industry to feature rubberized grips for better traction along with a spring-loaded trigger for a true gaming advantage. Additionally, a hidden compartment provides MotionPlus compatibility while still allowing easy access to all controls. MSRP $9.99. Also available in a family three-pack. MSRP $24.99.
- Expanded Range Wireless Sensor Bar for Wii – The innovative curved design of this sensor bar allows for a more expansive playing area with fewer dropped signals, making it perfect for group games such as Rock Band® and Guitar Hero®. An eight-foot charging cable is included and connects to the Wii console, allowing play to continue while charging. MSRP $14.99.
- MotionPlus Remote and NunchukTM Sleeve for Wii – Extra-thick padding, horizontal grooves and molded posts protect equipment and enhance grip. MSRP $9.99.
- Dual Controller Charging Kit for Wii – Get a true charge indication while leaving the controller sleeves in place with this dual controller charging kit. Also offers a long-lasting Ni- MH rechargeable battery and dual compatibility with MotionPlus. MSRP $29.99.
- Starter Kit for Wii – Includes a wireless sensor bar, two Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, gold-plated component cable and dual control charger. MSRP $39.99.
- Protective Cover for Wii Fit – The wraparound design provides one of the firmest fits in the industry for increased balance while molded posts and a smooth surface offer better grip and comfort. MSRP $14.99.
- Fitness Mat for Wii Fit – A must-have for Wii Fit exercisers, this fitness mat offers a thick 3- millimeter cushion and non-slip surface for increased comfort and grip. MSRP $14.99.
- Rechargeable Battery Pack for Wii Fit – Features a long-lasting Ni-MH rechargeable battery and extra-long six-foot cable for added versatility. MSRP $14.99.
- Fitness Starter Kit for Wii Fit – Includes balance board cover, fitness mat and rechargeable battery. MSRP $34.99.
- Protective Case for DSi – Protects your portable DSi console while still providing easy access to all ports and controls, including both digital cameras. An integrated storage compartment holds up to three games and a stylus to make on-the-go gaming easy. MSRP $9.99.
- Car Charging Kit for DS LiteTM, DSi and DSi XLTM – This unique 3 -in-1 design works with all DS consoles, including the soon-to-be released DSi XL. MSRP $9.99.
WeTime Parent Survey Methodology
The WeTime Parent Survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Memorex between November 4–10, 2009 among 1,344 adults age 18+ who are the parents of children age 0–17 years. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available.
About Memorex
Memorex is one of the most trusted and recognized consumer brands in modern marketing history. A portfolio brand of Imation Corp (NYSE: IMN), Memorex is the North American market- share leader in optical media and media accessories at retail and one of the best-known names in the consumer electronics industry. Memorex reaches into millions of homes with home audio and video products, MP3 players, digital picture frames, iPod® accessories and LCD televisions that are stylish and simple in form and function. For more information about Memorex, please visit www.memorex.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Teh Tr0LL @ Jan 6th 2010 12:05PM
Overpriced peices of crap for another peice of crap the wii
Shagittarius @ Jan 6th 2010 12:05PM
How about "Wii Shit"?
Teh Tr0LL @ Jan 6th 2010 12:05PM
i think you missed a IS out between wii and shit
Bradwart The Echidna [PSN: Mister Bradster XBL: Mr Bradster] @ Jan 6th 2010 12:11PM
Does the standard Wii Wheel have a 'MotionPlus compartment'?
Spartan [Planteer | Power of The Arduous Task of Smiting Kittens] @ Jan 6th 2010 12:23PM
Like everyone doesn't have all the wii accessories
they could possibly want already.
Leobebes (BDF: Braid Defence Force) @ Jan 6th 2010 12:25PM
Hey Memorex is smart. They recognize that the Snuggie/Thomas Kinkade crowd will buy anything.
Also I haven't noticed anyone here putting their friend code next to their names. I'll start.
Leobebes [XBL:Pangolind Deux Wii:642338483473847837889]
Bradwart The Echidna [PSN: Mister Bradster XBL: Mr Bradster] @ Jan 6th 2010 12:26PM
Oh, should I put my Konami ID in mine?
Shagittarius @ Jan 6th 2010 12:29PM
My friend code: 3.14159265358979323846264338327950288…
Spartan [Planteer | Power of The Arduous Task of Smiting Kittens] @ Jan 6th 2010 1:51PM
Shaggi, that was good... for you
your still douche,
but that was well thought out.
Spartan [Planteer | Power of The Arduous Task of Smiting Kittens] @ Jan 6th 2010 1:52PM
forgot the word "a"
Gun Barrier @ Jan 6th 2010 12:31PM
Nothing but trolls on this thread....
BIGGEN (LIVE-PSN: BIGGEN1103) @ Jan 6th 2010 1:00PM
i like trolls, they go good with mac and cheese
lobotomies4free @ Jan 6th 2010 1:04PM
I LOVE that it charges through the sleeve. I've been waiting for this. good NmHd batteries too!
I dont see what they mean with the curved sensor bar though. looks normal to me
Bradwart The Echidna [PSN: Mister Bradster XBL: Mr Bradster] @ Jan 6th 2010 1:10PM
Might be that the actual internal sensors are set at angles, to better capture inputs.
BIGGEN (LIVE-PSN: BIGGEN1103) @ Jan 6th 2010 1:12PM
look at pic #3
captainprotonx @ Jan 6th 2010 1:43PM
uuuuuu...how is this crap any different from the crap released over the passed 2 years?
monkeyninja @ Jan 6th 2010 2:22PM
I believe you mean tmac and cheese.
monkeyninja @ Jan 6th 2010 2:23PM
stupid comment system :P
it was a reply to Gun Barrier
Gennosuke-sama (formerly known as tuunicopapi) @ Jan 6th 2010 4:33PM
i would love to have a Wireless sensor bar. my friends cousin has the Wireless sensor bar ultra and he says that it reads the Wiimote perfectly. if that's true then i'll be sure to pick one up.
1969rs @ Jan 7th 2010 10:08AM
I had a chance to see this stuff. It is not bad at all. Sensor bar gives wider angle, wheel accepts the remote with motion plus and rubber grips feels like quality and the color of the wheel actually matches the color of the remote. First time I have seen that. Sleeves feel great. For the first time stepping into the accessory line, Memorex has surpassed many of the long time accessory companies. It is not just more imported crud. Where can I buy some?
Alex @ Jan 7th 2010 2:54PM
Now your accessories and "back-ups" can be memorex branded